How Dubai plans on being most visited city by attracting more African tourists

Dubai has set its sights on becoming the most visited city in the world, with a particular focus on attracting African tourists. At the 2019 Akwaaba African Travel Market in Lagos, Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing, shared insights on Dubai's strategy to position itself as a top destination for African travelers. The delegation from Dubai, consisting of 22 companies, showcased the city's offerings and engaged with the African market to drive tourism growth. Kazim highlighted the increasing interest and passion from Nigerian and African travelers towards Dubai, signaling a promising trend for the city's tourism sector. One of the key takeaways from Dubai's engagement with the African market is the significant growth in visitor numbers from the continent. Over the years, Dubai has been working towards its goal of becoming the top destination for leisure, business, and events globally. While currently ranked number four, Dubai has been witnessing steady growth in visitor numbers, with a strong focus on the African market. The marketing campaigns, participation in events like Akwaaba, and support from local partners have been instrumental in attracting African tourists to Dubai. Dubai has identified key areas for growth in the African market, with notable increases in visitor numbers from countries like Nigeria. The Nigerian market, in particular, has seen a remarkable 28 percent growth, indicating a growing interest in Dubai's diverse offerings beyond its iconic landmarks. African travelers are increasingly exploring Dubai's urban landscape, theme parks, museums, souks, gold markets, and adventurous activities, making the city a popular choice for families, couples, and friends seeking unique experiences. Furthermore, Dubai's focus on enhancing the visitor experience includes a diverse range of attractions and accommodations to cater to different preferences. While the city is known for its luxurious five-star hotels, Dubai has expanded its hotel offerings to include a mix of three and four-star options, providing visitors with a variety of choices. The increasing hotel room inventory, now close to 120,000 rooms, ensures that visitors have access to different accommodations throughout their stay, enhancing their overall Dubai experience. As Dubai continues to evolve, the city is constantly introducing new attractions and experiences to entice return visitors. From new hotels and restaurants to a thriving events calendar, Dubai offers a dynamic and vibrant lifestyle for tourists. The city's commitment to hosting a variety of business and leisure events, along with its renowned shopping festivals, ensures that there is always something new for visitors to explore and enjoy. In conclusion, Dubai's strategic efforts to attract more African tourists are yielding positive results, with growing interest and engagement from the continent. With a focus on offering diverse experiences, enhancing accommodations, and evolving its attractions, Dubai is well-positioned to become the top destination for African travelers. As more African tourists discover the charms of Dubai, the city's reputation as a global tourism hub continues to flourish.